”Aloha.’ It’s an endearing expression Hawaiians use when greeting people and bidding them farewell. It is their word for ‘love.’ Although I am not Hawaiian, I was born on the Island and embrace the spirit. To all of you, I offer my ‘aloha!'” — Avis Connolly

Sixteen years ago, Avis Connolly, director of the Concord Senior Center, met with a hand-picked committee of senior citizens to organize a communitywide luau.

Although several members had been to the Islands and participated in luaus before, no one outside of Avis knew what planning one entailed.

The program that evolved — the result of a lot of hard work under Avis’ tutelage — received favorable comments, and everyone agreed they should make it an annual affair.

Despite the members’ optimism, who among them would have guessed their luaus would continue to draw capacity crowds of supporters?

I recently interviewed Avis to find out what motivated her to put on a luau at the senior center, what it takes to organize one, and what changes, if any, she has in mind for future luaus.

Q: What were you thinking when you introduced the luau to the Concord senior citizens?

A: I have many fond memories of Hawaii and its customs, luaus being the most noteworthy for bringing family and friends together. Wishing to promote a similar atmosphere in Concord was my motive for introducing the luau to the seniors in our community.

Q: What was your impression of the center’s first luau?

A: I was pleased that the seniors supported my suggestion from the outset.

The wall decorations they put up required a lot of time and effort. The result showed it and was impressive. The food we prepared was not quite Hawaiian, but was ample.

Patrick Landeza, a young, local slack key guitarist, was our featured performer. We offered him his first professional start. He went on to make a name for himself as one of the most accomplished slack key guitarists outside of Hawaii. Patrick received top musical awards in Hawaii as well as an offer to perform at Carnegie Hall.

The first luau was a sellout and received favorable reviews.

Q: How long does it take to plan your luau and what is involved?

A: The time required to plan and put on a luau varies. To do a good job usually takes a year.

Each year raises different problems. We have a continuing need for volunteers to help us with the food: from purchasing ingredients to prepping, cooking and serving it.

Loading the food and equipment at the senior center and transporting it to Centre Concord took time, and additional time was needed to coordinate the schedules of staff and volunteers.

That problem was eliminated when Hawaiian Fusion was moved to the senior center this year. Dealing with promoters, setting up the stage and sound system, ticket sales, soliciting for raffle prizes, seeking sponsors, and decorations are other responsibilities that also require considerable time.

The need for volunteers to relieve staff is ongoing.

Q: How do you select your entertainers and how many volunteers do you count on for each event?

A: Reviewing and selecting entertainers is a job jointly shared by me and the committee.

A minimum of 50 volunteers is required to put on a luau.

Q: I understand the luau, which was regularly held at Centre Concord, has been moved to the Concord Senior Center effective this year. The center offers a much smaller venue. What was the reason for the move?

A: Putting on a luau for 400 patrons annually for 13 years has required an appreciable number of volunteers and staff time.

By moving the luau to the Senior Center and reducing the number of seats to 200, we have been able to use the time gained for other center activities.

Q: So what have you done with the profits you earned from the luaus over the years?

A: By banking the moneys, the center has been able to build up a sufficient savings reserve for scholarships and special events programs.

The scholarship program allows low-income seniors to purchase taxi scrips, register for various classes, attend special events, partially pay their bills, and provide them with emergency funds as needed.

During the past two years, a total of $7,500 was awarded to 75 seniors seeking financial aid.

Q: You, your staff and your committee of volunteers deserve to be recognized for your successful luau program. What plans, if any, do you have to maintain that high standard?

A: Next year we hope to incorporate other Pacific Islanders in our program along with a sampling of their food and entertainment. Audience participation will be another consideration.

The 14th annual Hawaiian Fusion features Faith Ako, who presents a unique blend of Polynesian music, rhythm and blues, and good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll, along with the talented artist Steven Espinola.

It will take place Saturday Oct. 3, at the Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle, in Concord.

For those who plan to attend, please note the change in location. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m.

If you haven’t purchased a ticket, I suggest you call 925-671-3320 immediately for reservations. Concord Senior Center is limited to 200 seats and tickets are going fast. Want to show your appreciation to the folks who are waiting on tables and serving that night?

Remember, most of them are volunteers. A friendly “mahalo” will suffice, and look for their smiles!

Eizo Kobayashi is a Concord resident and a member of the Concord Senior Citizens Club. Contact him at .